Lanny Beekman

Torrey, Utah – Lambert Wayne Beekman passed away, surrounded by family and friends on January 14, 2022 at the age of 72 at his home in Torrey. He was born on September 3, 1949, the eldest of 6 children, to Lambert and Wilma Esther Westhouse Beekman. He grew up in Midland Park, NJ and after high school attended Northwestern College in Iowa, where he studied art, political science, and history. He was an avid reader and had a curiosity about almost everything. After college he moved to Hillburn, NY and worked at the Catamount Hunt Club in Suffern, NY. While working at Catamount, he met his future wife, Michele Yolan, who was boarding her horse there. They bought an old motor home and headed west where they spent some time at a ranch in Wyoming. One thing he learned at the ranch was there are infinite ways to prepare zucchini. Around 1975 he and Michele settled in Salt Lake City where he became interested in Gemology and the construction of jewelry, a skill he continued until his recent decline in health. In 1983 he and Michele moved to Torrey, UT and bought the old Pace house on Main St. where they made their permanent home and many lifelong friends. Sadly, in 1990, Michele passed away from a 2 year battle with cancer. Lanny loved animals (except cats) and had a particular fondness for horses and dogs. He always had a canine or two around until his beloved dog Pace died in 2007. Lanny was a self-taught artisan and did astonishing things with wood. He was proficient in custom built homes, cabinets, furniture, doors, and more. Besides working locally, he has many devoted clients spread all around the country. Lanny had a robust sense of humor and used it every chance he got. On a Green River rafting trip he instructed his 10 year old nephew on what to do if he fell overboard. After having him repeat the instructions, Lanny asked if he understood everything he said. The boy solemnly said he did and Lanny replied "Good" and pushed him off the raft. Lanny enjoyed many pastimes including cooking, cards, tabletop shuffleboard, river rafting, hiking, horseshoes, ping pong (locally unbeatable), camping, fishing, oil painting, music was always around him, a master storyteller and lover of jokes. He would often include cartoons with his correspondence. He considered his friends his most prized possession. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Lanny is survived by three brothers, and two sisters: Bill (Torrey), Paul (Washington, UT), Stephen (North Haledon, New Jersey), Lynn & Don Selchow (Phoenix, AZ), Lee Ann Beekman (Cedar City, UT), four nephews and three nieces. A celebration in his honor will be held in the Torrey Park on June 11, 2022, starting around 3pm. All are welcome to attend and share stories, listen to music and maybe throw a horseshoe or two. The family would like to thank the friends and caregivers in Wayne County who provided meals and continued heartfelt support during this sad time.